P-27: The Effect of Varicocelectomy onThe Serum Testosterone Level in Infertile Men with Grade (II - III) Varicocele

Background: To determine whether men with varicoceles have lower testosterone levels than those without and to ascertain if testosterone levels increase after varicocelectomy and or to determine whether the varicocele grade is related to the degree of improvement in serum testosterone levels after varicocelectomy and also older age is associated with improvements in testosterone after varicocelectomy. Materials and Methods: We measured preoperative testosterone levels in 70 men with palpable varicoceles (grade II and III) and in 79 fertile men who served as a comparison group and patients were categorized into two age groups (Less than 35 years, More than 35 years). The testosterone levels between groups were compared by age. 70 had data on both pre- and postoperative testosterone levels, which were compared to assess postoperative changes. Results: A total of 79 patients had undergone varicocelectomy. The mean of serum testosterone levels before surgery in infertile men with varicocele and fertile men were respectively 590 (230) versus 583(237) ng/dl (p=0.70). No statistically significant changes were noted in serum testosterone levels for any of the groups. Mean serum testosterone levels were significantly increased in infertile men with varicocele compared with preoperative levels. The serum testosterone levels increased after repair from 590 (230) to 663 (242) ng/dl (p=0.009). This difference persisted when analyzed by age. These groups of patients were categorized into two age groups. Group I, less than 35 years (<=35), and group II, more than 35 years (>35). Also the testis volume of patients has been examined which were divided into two groups included the men with testis volume less than 16ml (<16) and more than 16ml (>=16). Conclusion: Varicocelectomy resulted in significant increase in the serum testosterone level and improved testicular leydig cell function.